Weather
A prolonged cold snap grips the region through midweek, followed by fresh snowfall and potentially strong winds as two distinct storms arrive Thursday through Friday and again Saturday into early next week. Persistent cold air lingers prior to these events, but once moisture returns, several rounds of moderate to heavy mountain snow are likely.
The Thursday to Friday Winter System brings a new round of snow to the Cascades and surrounding ranges. This incoming storm taps into fresh moisture but also encounters the entrenched cold air, allowing snowfall at relatively low elevations. Most areas should see snow levels hover around 1,000–2,000 feet early Thursday before gradually rising by Friday. Higher peaks of the Cascades and the volcanic complexes in Oregon and Washington will likely rack up moderate accumulations, with breezy east to southeast winds factoring into exposed slopes. Temperatures will remain cold enough for snow or a wintry mix, especially near passes and across the eastern slopes of the mountains.
A follow-up surge arrives Saturday and persists into early next week, delivering additional mountain snowfall and slightly milder conditions. Although snow levels will gradually climb (reaching closer to 4,000–5,000 feet by late weekend), most ski areas will maintain a snow-friendly environment. Gusty southwesterly winds could be noticeable at ridgetops, but also help push more moisture inland. Looking farther ahead, a gradually moderating air mass is projected, though below-normal temperatures may resurface in parts of the interior. The overall pattern suggests continued periods of mountain snow as subsequent systems cross the region beyond the 7-day window.
7-Day Resort Forecast Totals
- Timberline – 19″–38” total (6″–10” Thu (02/13) – Fri night (02/14) + 13″–28” Sat (02/15) – Tue (02/18))
- Mt Bachelor – 15″–30” total (7″–12” Wed night (02/12) – Fri night (02/14) + 8″–18” Sat (02/15) – Mon night (02/17))
- Snoqualmie Pass – 10″–22” total (1″–2” Thu night (02/13) – Fri (02/14) + 9″–20” Sat (02/15) – Tue (02/18))
- Stevens Pass – 9″–21” total (1″–3” Thu (02/13) – Fri (02/14) + 8″–18” Sat (02/15) – Tue (02/18))
- Crystal Mountain – 8″–18” total (2″–4” Thu (02/13) – Fri (02/14) + 6″–14” Sat (02/15) – Mon night (02/17))
- Mt Baker – 6″–13” total (6″–13” Sat (02/15) – Tue (02/18))
- Whistler – 1″–4” Sat (02/15) – Sun (02/16)
